Research

The AustraliaInstitute has a ongoing program of research into policy options around the ABC.Several of our research papers relate to the ABC’s operations in rural and regionalAustralia and the ABC Charter.Most recently, polling we commissioned in January 2016 shows strong publicsupport in Tasmania for increased funding for the ABC in order to strengthenregional news services. 58% of Tasmanians support the proposal while 22% opposeand 21% are unde... Read More

Since our last submission we have published a research report relevant to this inquiry, No politics at Aunty's table: Depoliticising the governance of the ABC. This report addresses the issue of political interference in the governance structures of the ABC, including its charter. A copy has been uploaded with this submission.The Australia Institute advocates that the ABC equitably serve regional and rural communities and be adequately funded to... Read More

The United Wambo Open Cut Coal Mine Project is a proposal to expand and merge the existing Wambo and United coal mines in the Hunter Valley, NSW. This submission focuses mainly on the economic assessment included in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the proposal, Appendix 19 Economic Assessment, written by Deloitte Access Economics (Deloitte).The economic assessment does not adequately consider the risks and costs of the projects, while... Read More

The Australia Institute submission to the Economics Legislation Committee for its inquiry into the Budget Savings (Omnibus) Bill 2016 critiques the proposed savings on the grounds that they will increase inequality and harm innovation.

The Australian Energy Market Commission is considering a proposal to introduce a new rule in the national electricity market. The 5 Minute Settlement Rule Change is a very technical but important rule, which the Australia Institute believes would increase competition.Currently, gas peaking plants provide the energy to respond to rapid changes in demand. If the new rule is implemented it would expose gas to competition from battery and demand mana... Read More

The Wambo Mine - Modification 12 - Southern Longwall Modifications is a proposal to extend an existing coal mine in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW). The mine is owned by coal producer Peabody Energy. An environmental impact statement (EIS) has been submitted to the Department of Environment and Planning. This submission relates mainly to Appendix K of the EIS, a “Socio-Economic Assessment” written by consultants AnalytEcon. The assessmen... Read More

Multinational oil company BP is planning exploratory drilling for oil and gas in the Great Australian Bight. The Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications is conducting an inquiry into the proposal, including into social and economic impacts of potential oil and gas exploration and production.The economic benefits of oil and gas exploration are minimal. Such activities are highly capital intensive, so require relatively few work... Read More

Multinational oil company BP is planning exploratory drilling for oil and gas in the Great Australian Bight. The Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications is conducting an inquiry into the proposal, including into social and economic impacts of potential oil and gas exploration and production.The economic benefits of oil and gas exploration are minimal. Such activities are highly capital intensive, so require relatively few work... Read More

Multinational oil company BP is planning exploratory drilling for oil and gas in the Great Australian Bight. The Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications is conducting an inquiry into the proposal, including into social and economic impacts of potential oil and gas exploration and production.The economic benefits of oil and gas exploration are minimal. Such activities are highly capital intensive, so require relatively few work... Read More

The economic assessment of the Wilpinjong mine heavily overstates the value of the project. This is easily seen by comparing the estimate of the project’s net present value, AUD$735 million, with the total stockmarket value of the proponent, only $114 million.The key flaw in the economic assessment is unrealistic production costs. The assessment assumes the current mine can produce coal for an average per tonne cost of AUD$26. At current exchange... Read More

The Australia Institute is the country’s most influential progressive think tank. We conduct research on a broad range of economic, social and environmental issues in order to inform public debate and bring greater accountability to the democratic process.